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  • The Agency Bahamas closes record year, eyes $100m in 2026

    The Agency Bahamas closes record year, eyes $100m in 2026

    The Agency Bahamas has announced an extraordinary 68 percent increase in annual sales for 2025 compared to the previous year, heralding what the firm characterizes as an unprecedented period of growth. This performance has established a new benchmark for the brokerage and prompted the setting of aggressive expansion objectives for the coming year.

    According to an official release, this substantial growth is attributed to robust demand emanating from both domestic and international property buyers, coupled with sustained vigor within the premium real estate market. Danny Lowe, the Founder and Managing Partner, emphasized that these results are a direct indicator of escalating confidence in The Bahamas as a premier destination for high-value property investments.

    “These milestones are not merely numerical achievements; they symbolize the trust we have cultivated, the enduring relationships we have forged, and our profound comprehension of the evolving desires of contemporary buyers in The Bahamas,” Mr. Lowe stated.

    In its annual assessment, the company celebrated its highest achievers, bestowing Dexter Avney with the title of Top Producer of the Year. James Galantis was honored as the runner-up, while Condra Driver received recognition as Rookie of the Year.

    With an optimistic outlook for 2026, The Agency Bahamas is targeting sales exceeding $100 million. Its strategic growth plan includes geographical expansion into the islands of Eleuthera and the Abacos. Furthermore, the brokerage intends to establish a specialized development and advisory division. This new arm will be dedicated to providing comprehensive support to investors, developers, and landowners undertaking larger, more intricate projects.

    Market dynamics continue to be propelled by high-net-worth individuals seeking properties that enhance their lifestyle. Notably, demographic shifts are occurring, with Millennials and Generation X exerting a greater influence on the market. Their investment decisions are increasingly driven by an interest in multi-generational living arrangements and long-term legacy planning.

    Mr. Lowe affirmed that The Bahamas maintains a strong position within global luxury real estate trends, bolstered by consistent foreign interest and the nation’s dual appeal as an idyllic lifestyle haven and a sound investment location.

    “Our strategic focus for 2026 is to solidify our role as the essential partner for buyers and investors who seek more than just a transaction—they desire a long-term vision for living, creating a legacy, and achieving growth within this dynamic market,” he concluded.

  • Andros fish fry razed as no firetruck came

    Andros fish fry razed as no firetruck came

    A devastating pre-dawn blaze completely destroyed the Nicholls Town Fish Fry on Andros Island yesterday, revealing systemic failures in emergency response capabilities throughout The Bahamas. Local residents resorted to desperate bucket brigades using seawater as they confronted the rapidly spreading fire without functional firefighting equipment.

    The conflagration erupted around 6am, transforming the tranquil morning into scenes of chaos as community members shouted warnings and scrambled to contain the advancing flames. Powerful winds propelled the fire from one wooden stall to another, overwhelming the improvised efforts of locals. By the time the fire exhausted its fuel, the entire commercial area lay in ruins—leaving business owners staring in disbelief at the smoldering remains of their livelihoods.

    This incident represents the second catastrophic loss for numerous vendors who previously suffered damage during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The complete absence of insurance coverage compounds their financial devastation. Nadia Sweeting of Sweeting’s Wabbie Palace revealed she had invested over $100,000 in a nearly completed three-level stall that was weeks from opening. ‘I haven’t sold one bottle of water yet,’ she lamented, having planned to leave her yacht club job to operate the family business full-time.

    The tragedy has ignited renewed scrutiny of fire service preparedness nationwide. Recent fires across New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Exuma have consistently highlighted operational deficiencies in fire response capabilities. In each instance, communities have been forced to improvise with inadequate resources when critical fire engines were non-operational.

    North Andros MP Leonardo Lightbourne acknowledged the area’s fire engine was inoperable but could not specify the defective component. When questioned about whether functional equipment might have contained the blaze, he dismissed the speculation as ‘neither here nor there’ while emphasizing the need for proper emergency infrastructure.

    The human toll extends beyond financial ruin. Seventy-six-year-old Birgie Jones, operating at the Fish Fry for four decades, saw her personally rebuilt stall destroyed despite neighbors’ attempts to save it. Marlyin Grant reported her husband sustained injuries from repeated trips into the sea with buckets, while expressing fears about immediate family hunger without business income.

    Opposition candidate Carlton Bowleg criticized the government’s failure to address known equipment shortages despite allocated constituency funds. He revealed North Andros previously maintained two fire engines, with one rendered inoperable following an accident.

    All affected vendors expressed determination to rebuild despite the catastrophe, while unanimously stressing that without operational fire protection, the community remains perilously vulnerable to repeated disasters.

  • Senior PLPs urge PM ‘wait until our time is right’ and avoid early election

    Senior PLPs urge PM ‘wait until our time is right’ and avoid early election

    Amid escalating speculation about potential election timing, senior Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters are publicly advising Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to resist calling an early vote. The internal debate emerges as the government tables a new Boundaries Commission report and both major parties proceed with candidate ratification processes.

    At Monday’s Majority Rule ceremony at PLP headquarters, party stalwarts expressed cautious views about election timing. Laverne Henfield, a PLP councillor from Centreville, advocated for allowing the term to reach its natural conclusion: “I think he should wait until our time is right. September will make us five years. We still have some more work to do.”

    The sentiment was echoed by Shantel Brown, a longtime supporter, who warned that political momentum can be deceptive: “Go straight through. Looks could be deceiving.” This caution reflects lingering memories of the previous administration’s failed early election call, which resulted in decisive rejection by voters.

    A Marathon constituency councillor identified as Ms. Smith suggested that while waiting until September might not be necessary, any election before May would be premature: “Why an early election? We need to let it run. We need to continue to complete things that have started.”

    Sirnardo Hart, the PLP’s protocol chairman, emphasized that an early election could deprive voters of fully understanding government achievements: “Don’t call it early. Wait until September because that’s his time and so people could know what’s really going on.”

    Not all party voices expressed concern. Sherry Bowe from Freetown stated readiness for whenever elections are called, while Bimini branch chairperson Kitty Saunders expressed full confidence in the Prime Minister’s decision-making: “The prime minister has information we don’t, so whatever his decision, I believe it’s the best decision.”

    The opposition Free National Movement has consistently predicted an early election, with leader Michael Pintard recently anticipating a first-quarter 2026 vote and urging supporters to complete voter registration promptly.

  • Seymour: Four child deaths ‘too many, too soon’

    Seymour: Four child deaths ‘too many, too soon’

    A series of tragic child fatalities across the Bahamas has triggered urgent calls for enhanced national safety protocols and collective societal responsibility. Senator Maxine Seymour, serving as Shadow Minister for Social Services, Information and Broadcasting, has issued a solemn appeal for national introspection following four separate child deaths occurring within the first two weeks of January.

    The most recent incident involved a five-year-old boy who drowned in Murphy Town, Abaco, on Monday. According to police reports, the child was reported missing shortly after 1 PM and was subsequently discovered unresponsive in seawater along a back road. Despite rescue efforts by a concerned citizen and rapid transportation via Emergency Medical Services, the boy was pronounced dead before 3 PM.

    This tragedy marks the fourth juvenile death recorded since the beginning of the year. On January 1, a seven-year-old Pinewood Gardens girl died after allegedly ingesting a food product at a residence. Just two days later, a three-year-old Nassau Village girl passed away after falling ill at home, while that same day, a ten-year-old boy collapsed while playing in a Blackwood, Eleuthera park and could not be resuscitated.

    Senator Seymour, emphasizing her perspective as both a mother and grandmother, stated these deaths ‘sit heavily’ with her, noting that no family should begin a new year with such profound grief. She clarified that her comments were not aimed at assigning blame but rather at emphasizing shared community obligation toward child protection.

    The opposition legislator highlighted the critical need for strengthened public awareness campaigns, improved community support systems, and consistent implementation of safety practices. She specifically advocated for expanded access to first-aid and CPR training throughout communities, asserting that children deserve a nation where their safety isn’t left to chance.

    Senator Seymour further called for transparent and expedited investigations into each death, including the prompt release of autopsy findings. She emphasized that information serves as a powerful tool for prevention, helping families achieve closure while enabling society to identify and address systemic failures.

    Concluding her remarks, the senator extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, expressing hope that they might feel the supportive embrace of a nation mourning alongside them.

  • Bank chief slams Davis over ‘uninformed’ food vat removal

    Bank chief slams Davis over ‘uninformed’ food vat removal

    A leading Bahamian banking executive has launched a scathing critique of the government’s recent decision to eliminate Value-Added Tax (VAT) on unprepared grocery items, characterizing the policy shift as a politically motivated maneuver that jeopardizes fiscal stability. Gowon Bowe, Chairman of the Clearing Banks Association and CEO of Fidelity Bank, denounced the move as “an uninformed and understudied exercise” that prioritizes popular appeal over economic responsibility.

    Bowe challenged the policy’s fundamental design, highlighting its failure to target relief toward lower-income households. He noted that high-income earners would receive identical tax benefits as those most severely impacted by rising living costs, describing the approach as a crude “hacksaw” solution rather than a precision “scalpel.” The banking executive questioned the policy’s consistency with the Davis administration’s previous criticisms of VAT exemptions under the prior government, which international financial institutions had found to reduce revenue collection efficiency while increasing administrative burdens.

    The financial expert raised concerns about inevitable revenue shortfalls, warning that the government would eventually need to recover lost funds through alternative tax measures. He characterized taxation as a “zero-sum game” where exemptions in one sector necessitate increases elsewhere. Bowe particularly criticized the timing alongside the reintroduction of the RISE program, which effectively increases Social Security contributions through tax collection rebalancing.

    Regarding practical impact, Bowe calculated that a $100 grocery bill would only yield a $10 saving from VAT removal—a marginal benefit that fails to offset escalating costs in fuel, utilities, and other essential services. He argued that true economic relief requires targeted measures rather than broad-based tax cuts that provide negligible assistance to those experiencing severe financial strain.

    The banking chairman concluded that the decision exemplified a pattern of policy-making through “popular vote rather than studied analysis,” undermining The Bahamas’ post-COVID economic recovery and long-term growth prospects. He urged policymakers to focus on consolidating economic gains rather than distributing them prematurely through fiscally irresponsible measures.

  • Migrant apprehensions drop sharply in 2025 as RBDF records 78 percent decline

    Migrant apprehensions drop sharply in 2025 as RBDF records 78 percent decline

    NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has reported a dramatic 78% decrease in migrant apprehensions for 2025, intercepting 440 individuals compared to 2,019 the previous year. This sharp decline reflects a significant shift in migration patterns across the critical Bahamas-Florida maritime corridor.

    According to official data, interdictions fell sharply across all major routes. US Coast Guard cutters and RBDF vessels apprehended 84 Cuban nationals near the Cay Sal Banks attempting to reach Florida. An additional 64 Haitian nationals were intercepted on direct routes from Haiti to The Bahamas.

    The most substantial segment involved 292 migrants of mixed nationalities who allegedly exploited tourist visas to enter The Bahamas before attempting clandestine passage to the United States from Northern islands including Bimini and Grand Bahama. These individuals were intercepted by US Coast Guard assets and subsequently repatriated to Grand Bahama.

    This downward trend continues from 2024, which itself saw a 37% reduction from 2023 figures. Defence Force officials attribute the sustained decline primarily to US immigration policies, specifically the Temporary Protected Status and two-year Residency Sponsorship Programs for nationals from Cuba, Haiti, and Venezuela.

    The reduced migration coincides with a major US Coast Guard operation announced earlier this year, surging maritime assets including cutters, aircraft, and specialized forces to reinforce border security across strategic zones including the Florida Straits, US territories, and the Bahamas-Florida corridor. This enhanced presence, coordinated with Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense partners, aims to deter illegal migration, narcotics trafficking, and other transnational threats.

  • Superstar Rockets finally take top prize in GB’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo parade

    Superstar Rockets finally take top prize in GB’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo parade

    In a spectacular cultural victory, the Superstar Rockets have claimed unofficial championship status at Grand Bahama’s Pineyard Rush Junkanoo Parade, ending their six-year streak of second-place finishes to emerge as the 2026 Division A winners. The group’s triumphant performance, themed ‘Splendors of Ancient Egypt,’ featured an elaborate procession of pharaohs, kings, and meticulously crafted ancient Egyptian imagery along Explorer’s Way, captivating both spectators and judges alike.

    The victory represents the culmination of months of intensive preparation in the group’s shack, where members dedicated countless hours to design and construction. According to unofficial results, last year’s champions, the Swingers, secured second place with their presentation ‘Magnificent Expressions of Diverse Cultures,’ while the Classic Dancers captured third with ‘Breakfast Time, Let’s Eat Cereal’—a vibrant celebration of popular cereal brands. Completing the top five were Platinum Knights in fourth with ‘Jewels of the Bahamas’ and New Generation in fifth with ‘Latin America Kingdom Culture.’

    Division B saw Showtime claim top honors with their ‘Wizard of Oz’ presentation, followed by The Bushwhackers in second, Sting in third, and Bahamian Gladiators in fourth. The event attracted ten participating groups total, with official attendance from Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, Junkanoo authority Percy ‘Vola’ Francis, and representatives from the National Junkanoo Corporation.

    Superstar Rockets leader Chauncey Gray expressed both relief and exhilaration at finally overcoming what he described as ‘the hump’ of consistent second-place finishes. ‘It was months and months of preparation, almost non-stop,’ Gray revealed. ‘We took a week or two off and then went back to the drawing board—planning and drawing.’ He emphasized the financial challenges involved, noting that while ‘it could be easier with better financing, we made it happen because we are Bahamians and we’re going to put on our cultural show.’

    The group’s success was bolstered by more than 200 members and additional support from dedicated fans who play vital roles in production. The cultural significance was further highlighted by visits from officials including Michael Pintard, FNM Leader and Minister for Grand Bahama, who has maintained a tradition of visiting Junkanoo shacks since his tenure as minister responsible for Junkanoo. Pintard praised the artists’ commitment, noting that many groups invest substantially more in costumes than they receive in prize money—a testament to their dedication to preserving and celebrating Bahamian cultural heritage.

  • Clergy hit out at ‘politicisation’ of Majority Rule as unfinished project

    Clergy hit out at ‘politicisation’ of Majority Rule as unfinished project

    In a powerful address during the nation’s 59th Majority Rule anniversary ecumenical service at Bahamas Harvest Church, two prominent religious figures issued stern critiques of The Bahamas’ political landscape, condemning the partisan appropriation of the national holiday and demanding greater youth inclusion in governance.

    Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd delivered a pointed message to parliamentarians and congregants, asserting that both major political parties—the Progressive Liberal Party and Free National Movement—have improperly politicized what should be a unifying national observance. ‘It’s unfortunate that both major political parties have managed to politicise this event,’ Bishop Boyd stated, ‘either by certain behaviours when they are in power or by catching feelings and keeping away when they’re not in power.’

    The religious leader reframed Majority Rule as an ongoing national project rather than a completed achievement, employing grammatical metaphors to illustrate his point: ‘Majority Rule Day is not a full stop. It’s not a pinnacle at which we have arrived. Majority rule day is a comma. It is a semicolon.’

    Bishop Boyd further cautioned against replacing the historical white oligarchy with an equally exclusionary black oligarchy, emphasizing that true freedom carries inherent responsibilities that Bahamians must collectively embrace.

    Pastor Mario Moxey, delivering the sermon, shifted focus to generational leadership disparities, noting the concerning absence of young Bahamians from meaningful political roles. He highlighted the historical contrast that many architects of Majority Rule were under 40 years old, while contemporary Members of Parliament average 50 years of age.

    ‘A nation that delays its youth leaders eventually delays its destiny,’ Pastor Moxey declared, questioning why young citizens are now relegated to campaign logistics and photo opportunities rather than substantive leadership positions.

    The pastor issued specific challenges to political parties, urging them to nominate at least 30 candidates under 30 in the next election cycle and establish robust mentorship programs across generations. He criticized modern political campaigns for emphasizing personal attacks over substantive ideas, interpreting low voter turnout as evidence of disillusionment rather than apathy.

    Pastor Moxey concluded with a warning to political parties approaching election season: ‘The Bahamian electorate has matured over the years. We are thinking voters. We are discerning voters. Bahamians will attend your rallies, accept your gifts, smile politely and still vote based on vision, not favours.’

    PLP chairman Fred Mitchell later responded to these critiques at party headquarters, acknowledging generational transition with the statement: ‘Time runs out on everybody,’ while reaffirming the PLP’s historical connection to the Majority Rule legacy.

  • VAT to be axed on all groceries

    VAT to be axed on all groceries

    In a significant policy shift aimed at alleviating economic pressures on citizens, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis declared the complete removal of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on all food products sold in grocery stores during a national address on Monday evening. The sweeping tax exemption, effective April 1, will apply to fresh produce, infant nutrition products, frozen goods, and packaged food items, though prepared hot meals remain subject to taxation.

    This landmark decision represents the culmination of a series of VAT reductions implemented by the Davis administration since assuming power in 2021. The government initially reversed a 2018 tax hike by lowering the standard VAT rate from 12% to 10%, followed by a reduction of food-specific VAT from 10% to 5% last year before this complete elimination.

    Prime Davis framed the tax relief within broader affordability initiatives, citing persistently high costs of living including food prices, electricity expenses, and housing burdens. The VAT elimination forms part of a comprehensive strategy that includes energy sector reforms, expansion of domestic agricultural production, and revised trade agreements designed to lower import expenses.

    Concurrently, the government announced expanded property tax concessions, extending residential exemptions to owner-occupied duplex and triplex properties. Additional measures include enhanced concessions for first-time homebuyers, representing the administration’s concerted effort to reduce housing costs and promote asset ownership among citizens.

    Reflecting on economic challenges, Davis criticized the 2018 VAT increase as ill-timed ahead of Hurricane Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic, which collectively constrained consumer spending. His administration’s approach has emphasized targeted fiscal relief while maintaining financial stability, evidenced by improved credit ratings, removal from international financial blacklists, and over $10 billion in private sector investments since 2021.

    The address also highlighted previous cost-of-living measures including reduced customs duties on select food imports and the School Breakfast Programme, which has provided more than 1.4 million meals to students.

  • Families of murdered taxi driver and mechanic believe both men were lured to their deaths

    Families of murdered taxi driver and mechanic believe both men were lured to their deaths

    The Bahamas has been shaken by its first two homicides of the new year, resulting in the tragic deaths of two fathers during the holiday weekend. The victims, identified as 51-year-old taxi driver Rockling Boodle and 35-year-old mechanic Ricardo Jean, were killed in separate incidents that their grieving families believe were deliberate ambushes.

    Mr. Boodle, originally from Abaco, was discovered fatally stabbed at a motel off East Street South on Friday. His family had reported him missing after he failed to return home Thursday evening, contrary to his usual patterns. Meanwhile, Mr. Jean was shot and killed outside his Adelaide residence on Sunday under circumstances suggesting a planned attack. Preliminary investigations indicate both victims may have known their assailants.

    The personal tragedies extend beyond the immediate violence, as both men were anticipating significant life milestones. Jean had been planning a spring wedding following the recent birth of his son, while Boodle was preparing to celebrate his 30th wedding anniversary and an upcoming trip to Cuba with his son.

    Tashana Jean, the sister of Ricardo Jean, provided disturbing details suggesting premeditation. Security footage reportedly shows three individuals outside the family home, with one allegedly luring Jean outside while another lay concealed in nearby vegetation. The family suspects jealousy as a potential motive, noting that one of the alleged perpetrators had previous acquaintance with the victim.

    The emotional impact has been devastating for both families. Jean’s family, still recovering from multiple previous losses to violence, described him as a reformed individual who had overcome past challenges. Boodle’s family, who relocated to New Providence after Hurricane Dorian, expressed frustration with initial police response and are demanding justice for their father, remembered as a peaceful man who brought joy to others.

    Local authorities have not disclosed any arrests or suspects in custody regarding either investigation, leaving families awaiting answers while confronting unimaginable loss.